The Eden Project 1. Project Basics Location: Cornwall, UK 1.01 Bird’s eye view of the biomes. Latitude/Longitude/Elevation: 50°N 4°W, 213' above sea level Source:
2. Background and Content Initially conceived as a UK Millenium Project for the public, the Eden Project has grown to become not only a tourist attraction, research and educational tool, but one for generations to come. From the start, the mission of the Eden Project has been to “promote the understanding and responsible management of the vital rela- 1.02 The bubble-like form of the Eden Project in its surrounding environment. tionship between plants, people, and resources, leading towards a sustainable future for all.” Source:
There are essentially three biomes in the Eden Project: the humid–tropics biome, the warm temperate biome, 1.03 The Humid–Tropics biome Source:
1.04 Exotic plants and waterfalls are encountered as visitors walk along the various trails the biome has to offer. 1.05 One of the many jungle-type plants Source:
Grimshaw’s solution to this challenge was to look at nature. He got his inspiration from looking at the honey- comb of bees and even the multifaceted eyes of a fly. These creatures used their surroundings most effectively 1.06 Inside the biome. Some of the large to create a very strong, yet light-weight, solution. In addition, a geodesic dome-like structure would be able to heating/cooling units can be seen in the conform to the expanding and contracting contours of the clayey soil. back. Source:
The official name for the bubble-like geodesic struc- ture mentioned earlier is a “hex–tri–hex.” Though the final structure looks very similar to half a sphere, 1.09 The site before construction of the the entire building uses straight planes with straight biomes began. Source:
Cushions of ETFE (ethyltetraflouroethylene) trans- parent foil are used for the glazing. This very light- weight material weighs approximately 1% of glass. In addition, its strength and the fact that it is self- cleaning makes it the perfect product to use for this project. Last, it also has excellent ultraviolet trans- 1.08 Installation of the ETFE pillows. mittance which is essential for the healthy develop- Source:
1.12 Construction of the steel hexagonal bracing Source:
1.13 Specially designed connectors were designed to connect the ETFE pillow membranes to the steel strructure. Source:
1.11 Up-close look at the transparent glazing of the ETFE pillows and ventilation. Each hexagon (or pentagon) is a slightly different size, allowing the structure to better conform to the site. Source:
To study the “macrosopic performance” of the biome a dynamic thermal analysis computer program called OASYS was used. This program helped measure the performance of the biomes during the extreme 1.15 Another computer representation of the biomes in the context of the site. climate conditions of the year, such as a hot summer Source: Masters of Structure afternoon or a cold winter morning.
The performance studies reinforced the design strategies that were used in the original designing 1.14 Computer programs allowed Grimshaw to accuratly deter- mines the size of each shape of the biome. process. It also allowed for various adjustments to Source: Masters of Structure be made to enhance the energy savings within the biome. One of these adjustments was the change of the location and number of some of the nozzles that supply warm air for the biome.
6. Further Information 1.16 Computer generated 3D model Eden Project web site:
Sutherland, Lyall. Masters of Structure: Engineering
Today’s Innovative Buildings. Lawrence 1.18 The Eden Project is located just King Publishing, 2002. northeast of St Austell Source:
“The Eden Project.”
“The Eden Project, Cornwall, UK.” Edited Guide En- try.
1.17 The Eden Project is located on the southwestern side of the “Geodesic Design.” Eden Project—The Big Build. island.
8. Map and Transport Options Located 270 miles west of London and just east of St. Austell.
Take the train St. Austell. Then take the Truronian bus that goes from the St. Austell train station to the Eden Project in Cornwall. Ask for a combination bus/Eden Project admission ticket from the bus driver.
Case Study by Kenny Bissegger, Spring 2006